Spinal Stenosis Physiotherapy in Clapham
Back pain and heavy, aching or tingling legs when you walk or stand, that ease when you sit or bend forward? Spinal stenosis often responds well to exercise. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
As part of our back pain physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats spinal stenosis in Clapham, with a tailored exercise plan to help you walk further and stay active.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is when the space around the nerves in your lower back narrows, which can irritate the nerves that travel to your legs. According to NHS Dorset, it’s very uncommon under the age of 50.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
The classic sign is leg pain that comes on with standing and walking and eases when you sit or bend forwards. You may also notice:
- Heaviness, cramping or weakness in your legs
- Tingling or numbness in your legs
- Lower back pain
- Needing to stop and sit, or lean on a trolley, when walking
How Physiotherapy Helps
NHS Dorset describes exercise therapy as a first-line treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. Depending on your assessment, physiotherapy may include:
- A walking programme to build up gradually
- Cycling or other exercise that suits your back
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Strengthening for your back, hips and legs
- Advice on pacing and positions that ease symptoms
Exercises That Often Help
Because bending forwards often eases symptoms, many people find cycling, walking with a trolley or poles, and forward-leaning stretches more comfortable. Olivia will tailor exercises to you.
Medication and Surgery
Your GP may suggest painkillers or nerve pain medicines. If symptoms are severe or getting worse, they may refer you to a specialist to discuss surgery. Exercise remains important whatever route you take.
Spinal Stenosis or Something Else?
Leg pain on walking can also come from sciatica, the hip or circulation problems. Olivia will assess you and recommend a GP review if needed.
When to Get Urgent Help
The NHS advises calling 999 or going to A&E if you have back pain with:
- Numbness around your bottom or genitals
- Numbness or weakness in both legs
- Difficulty peeing, or loss of control of your bladder or bowels
These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which needs emergency treatment. See your GP if your pain isn’t improving, or comes with unexplained weight loss or a high temperature.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, how far you can walk and your goals
- Assess your back, pelvis and hips, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Spinal Stenosis FAQs
- Can spinal stenosis improve with physiotherapy?
Many people improve or stay stable with the right exercise. NHS Dorset describes exercise therapy as a first-line treatment.
- Why does spinal stenosis feel better when I sit or bend forward?
Bending forwards opens up the space around the nerves in your lower back, which can ease leg symptoms.
- Is walking good for spinal stenosis?
Yes, little and often. Building up gradually, with rests when you need them, can help you walk further over time.
- Will I need surgery for spinal stenosis?
Most people manage with exercise and other treatments. Surgery may be considered if symptoms are severe or getting worse.
- Do I need a referral for spinal stenosis physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP or consultant if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
Stay Connected
Stay updated by following us on our social channels. Links are provided below to keep you connected.
Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.